This is timely as more citizens, community leaders and decision makers are asking questions about electronic cigarettes. There is greater awareness and use of e-cigarettes among adults. As yet, no scientific data is available to determine public health effects of inhaling nicotine vapor, whether e-cigarette use increases or decreases use of traditional tobacco products, whether e-cigarette use encourages initiation of tobacco use, or whether e-cigarettes contribute to long-term cessation. We need more research and testing of electronic cigarettes to determine what effect they might have on the person smoking, as well as those nearby.

There seems to be more questions than answers. Will the switch to electronic cigarettes improve one’s health or introduce new toxins we don’t yet know the impact? Will smokers use both regular cigarettes and electronic cigarettes together? And what about compliance with smoke-free air policies? Should we expand the current laws to include electronic cigarettes? It’s my understanding that it looks like regular cigarette smoke. What are in those vapors? Would we be trading one problem for another?

If this could help someone quit, I’m all for it. But what if it starts someone toward a new health hazard? What are your thoughts?